The 8 best sunscreens for sensitive skin of 2024 - for protection without the irritation
Our tried and tested guide to the best sunscreens for sensitive skin – from creams to sprays and sticks
The best sunscreens for sensitive skin can be frustratingly hard to come by. There's certainly an art to creating a formula that effectively protects your skin from the sun while not irritating dry patches or breakouts, and we've been testing sunscreens for years to ensure they continue to work summer after summer.
While sunscreens for this skin type do exist, finding them feels like a risky endeavour. "People with sensitive skin may find that some sunscreens can cause irritation, stinging, burning, and redness when applied," explains advanced aesthetic doctor, Dr Preema Vig, who adds that "the use of certain sunscreens can make conditions such as eczema and dermatitis flare up."
Despite this, using sunscreen every day - come rain or shine, indoors and outdoors - is the best way to keep your skin safe, fresh-textured, and even-toned. And while many of the best face moisturisers do feature SPF, there's no substitute for a standalone sunscreen for your face. So it is worth finding a formula that even the most easily-aggravated skin can get along with. That's why we've tried and tested dozens of formulas to nail down the best sunscreens that'll protect your complexion from more than just sun damage, they'll keep breakouts and redness at bay, too.
The best sunscreens for sensitive skin, chosen by our experts
Best overall
The best sunscreen for sensitive skin overall
RRP: £19
Texture: Fluid
This sunscreen is fragrance-free, is tested on sensitive skin and hypoallergenic, comes in portable, slimline packaging, and offers ultra-high SPF 50+ UVB protection.
Our tester, Rachael Martin says, "I've had sensitive skin for a long time and really struggle to find a high-factor suncream that doesn't make my skin break out in angry red spots. After wearing La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 every day for a week I haven't seen so much as a blemish. I love how quickly this sunscreen sinks into the skin and the fact you can't see it once it's on - there's absolutely no white cast or oily residue and I found it was easy to apply makeup over the top without it smudging or slipping."
"I tested this sunscreen both on an average day and a really sunny one, where I was outside all day. My skin didn't burn and I found that I could wear the sunscreen for the full four hours without worrying about needing to re-apply. I'll be buying this sunscreen again and would choose it over the Avene SPF50 I used to buy, because it's lighter, rubs in more easily, and is invisible on the skin after application."
Reasons to buy: Great protection and non-sticky finish
Reasons to avoid: Comes out really fast
Best budget
The best budget sunscreen for sensitive skin
RRP: £14.50
Type: Light cream
Cetaphil is a brand dedicated to sensitive skin types, and - even better - caters to said types at very affordable prices. So it was no great surprise to us that this product ticked so many of our boxes, it's gentle, fragrance-free, non-pore-clogging, and is made with mineral UV blockers, which easily irritated skin usually prefers.
The texture was bang-on for our reactive complexion - a light, cooling cream that felt comfy, hydrating, and softening. In fact, this doesn't really feel like sunscreen at all, probably because it's packed with skincare ingredients like glycerin, which tackles signs of sensitivity like a tight feeling and rough skin texture. As the texture is a little thicker than some others on this list, and it feels so gorgeous to slather on, we could imagine getting through the 50ml tube pretty swiftly. But seeing as it's such a great value product that's not too much of an issue for us.
Reasons to buy: Hydrating and high factor SPF
Reasons to avoid: Runs out quickly
Best sunscreen for mature skin
RRP: £69
Type: Cream
Murad's Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF50 is the ultimate choice for those who want protection from all of your skin's main causes of damage. Skin is shielded from UVA/UVB rays, infrared radiation, pollution and blue light from devices, while the lightweight formula sits grease-free under makeup for day-to-day use.
We didn't find that this formula had a white cast, and because it comes in a peachy tint as opposed to the more traditional milk-like hue, it even offers some colour correction for when you're sat by the pool or having a makeup-free day.
The formulation is free from alcohol and fragrance, making it a great option for sensitive skin. The PA ++++ formula offers the highest level of protection from UVA rays, so while it's an expensive option, it packs a punch.
Reasons to buy: Offers immense protection
Reasons to avoid: If you're on a budget, there are cheaper options
Best powder sunscreen
The best powder sunscreen for sensitive skin
RRP: £13.99
Type: Powder
We expect a few things from Hawaiian Tropic products, namely cute packaging, user-friendly formulas, and a gorgeous tropical scent. All of those are present here but so are some unexpected bonuses that make this an excellent choice for sensitive skin. Firstly this is made with physical mineral filters, which reactive skin loves. It also has a very slight lemon tone that's great for canceling out redness and won't look chalky on deep skin tones, plus it contains a selection of botanical extracts to soothe and nourish.
The one major downside? It is fragranced. A delicious holiday-like fragrance and only a very light one at that, but if you know you are sensitive to perfume that might not work for you. However, we loved using this and didn't experience any reactions. It has a flattering soft focus look and the built-in brush makes it incredibly convenient for top-ups, especially if you're always wondering how to reapply sunscreen over makeup. Here's your answer.
Reasons to buy: Easy to reapply and lightweight
Reasons to avoid: Lightly fragranced
Best for oily skin
The best sunscreen for sensitive, oily skin
RRP: £44
Type: Liquid drops
Ingredient-wise this is as much a skincare buy as it is sunscreen. Antioxidant-packed green tea and niacinamide are the powerhouse duo in the formula that work together to fight against free radical damage and even out the skin tone. Meanwhile, squalane keeps the skin barrier intact while calendula soothes any irritation that sensitive skin types are prone to.
We loved dropping these out onto our skin, and although it is a little runny, try not to be intimidated by this formula's liquid consistency – it blends like a dream into even the oiliest of skin types (and doesn't contribute to the grease). In fact, we found these drops felt extremely lightweight and airy on our combination skin, and enjoyed the fact that this offers a moisturising finish without feeling sticky.
Reasons to buy: Lightweight and soothes inflammation
Reasons to avoid: Pricey compared to others we tried
Best tinted sunscreen
Best tinted sunscreen for sensitive skin
RRP: £45
Type: Tinted fluid
The best sunscreens for sensitive skin (or any skin type) are the ones that are enjoyable to apply and wear. SkinCeuticals are masterful at creating SPF products that feel closer to skincare than they do greasy or heavy sunscreen, and this is no exception. It's an impressively light fluid with a sheer tint and soft-focus finish that looks great alone on skin, or under makeup.
As a fragrance-free mineral formula, this is excellent on skin that's sensitive to chemicals and perfume. We found that a little goes a very long way with this, which is a very good thing considering it isn't a budget option. The fluid spreads nicely and didn't pill under our foundation. Plus, due to its tint you could just wear this as a very sheer base on low- or no-makeup days and it'll wash over pigmentation or other tone unevenness.
Reasons to buy: Ultra light and adaptable finish
Reasons to avoid: Tint won't suit all skin tones
Best for dry skin
The best sunscreen for dry, sensitive skin
RRP: £14.99
Type: Thick cream
This product spells out its USP on the name. It's a broad-spectrum SPF that packs in the skincare ingredients, such as glycerin, squalene and polyglutamic acid, to quench sensitive skin while protecting it. Our tester Rachael says, "A brand new name for my bathroom cupboard, this was my first time trying a product from The Inkey List and I wasn't disappointed as far as a product for sensitive skin goes. My skin didn't react at all while I was using this."
"What would stop this product from getting full marks from us is that it's quite thick and it took a little longer to apply and rub in compared to products such as the La Roche-Posay sunscreen. It also took a while to sink in, leaving my skin glowing white at first while the product settled. This probably isn't a product that I would use day to day like the La Roche-Posay SPF50+ Sun Cream, because it is thicker and didn't wear so well under makeup, but I would pack this in my suitcase to take on holiday, as it feels up to the task of protecting my skin if I'm spending a whole day in the sun by the pool or on the beach."
Reasons to buy: Gentle on reactive skin
Reasons to avoid: Takes a while to absorb
Best for acne-prone skin
Best sunscreen for acne-prone and sensitive skin
RRP: £10.99
Type: Cream
If you're looking to master how to get rid of acne, you're probably also looking for an SPF that you're sure won't break you out. Turn to this one from Neutrogena, which is made without oil so you can rest assured it won't clog your pores. We love that it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, meaning it'll keep on protecting your skin during a pool swim, splash in the sea, or a long hot shower on not-so-sunny days.
The only downside to this formula is that it requires a lot of blending and can tend to feel heavy on the skin. That being said, you can use it on your entire body in addition to your face without worrying it'll lead to breakouts in areas that are prone to it (it's perfect for people looking for a solution on how to get rid of back acne).
Reasons to buy: Water-resistant and won't block your pores
Reasons to avoid: Feels a little heavy
How we tested the best sunscreens for sensitive skin
There are as many types of sensitive skin as there are sunscreens designed for its needs, so this isn't a one size fits all situation. Instead, we trialed dozens of formulas for at least a day each, using several testers with various types of sensitivity, and paid close attention to the following factors:
- Ingredients and formulation
- Sun protection credentials
- The feel of the formula
- How it interacted with the skin
- Packaging and design
- Value for money
Each product that made this list impressed our testers on the above criteria and was deemed by us to be a reliable, enjoyable to use, shout-out worthy sunscreen for sensitive skin.
How to choose a sunscreen for sensitive skin
There's a lot to consider when it comes to picking the best sunscreens for sensitive skin, but these are the key factors, according to the experts:
- Chemical vs physical: There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and physical. Chemical-based sunscreens use chemicals like octinoxate, avobenzone, and oxybenzone to absorb the rays of the sun and convert them into heat. Physical sunscreens work by bouncing away the sun's UV rays from the skin's surface. "I would recommend seeking physical sunscreens," explains Dr Vig. "They are a gentler option and contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are less likely to cause irritation as chemical sunscreens do."
- Consider fragrance-free: "Fragrance is a blanket term for essential oils and perfumes, so it’s difficult to discern exactly what ingredients are being included and how your skin may react," notes Cindy Ha, lead esthetician at Fairmont Spa Century Plaza. Perfume in skincare can also cause allergic contact dermatitis, which manifests as red, blotchy, scaly patches that are itchy. "Eliminating fragrance from sunscreen reduces the risk of developing a contact allergy," says Dr. Mack.
- Other ingredients: "Avoid sunscreens that have added parabens, and phthalates as these can also cause inflammation and irritation," advises Dr Vig. Dr. Mack also advises looking for niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and aloe to calm redness and inflammation. Generally speaking, look for a shorter ingredient list if you have sensitive skin.
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Michelle Rostamian is a Los Angeles-based beauty writer with 10 years of experience in the beauty industry. She began her career as a publicist, content writer, and social media manager, representing beauty brands and industry professionals. Currently, she is an editor and writer on all things makeup, beauty, skincare, and lifestyle. Michelle graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Communications. She has bylines at Cosmopolitan, Elle, Marie Claire, Allure, The Zoe Report, HelloGiggles, Yahoo, Byrdie, Well+Good, Reviewed, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, The Girlfriend, and more.
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